Program Scheduler
About The Position
nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems is seeking a mid-level Project/Program Scheduler with 5+ years of experience to support complex development and production programs within the Finance organization. This role is responsible for the end-to-end development, integration, maintenance, and analysis of Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), ensuring alignment across program scope, technical execution, resource planning, and financial performance. The Project/Program Scheduler will serve as a key partner to Program Management, Engineering, Operations, and Finance, providing actionable scheduling insights to support decision-making and successful program execution. Responsibilities include ownership of schedule baseline integrity, critical path and variance analysis, earned value integration, and forecasting to proactively identify risks, opportunities, and performance trends, as well as supporting proposal efforts, Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs), and schedule compliance with internal standards and customer requirements. All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Preference will be given to candidates with an existing U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Further information on requirements to obtain a security clearance is available at: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/. Please review this information before applying.
Requirements
- Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
- Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, or related field from an accredited institution (or equivalent experience)
- Minimum of 5 years of directly related experience in program/project scheduling
- Strong experience with Integrated Master Scheduling (IMS) and schedule management
- Proficiency with Microsoft Project (including resource management) and Microsoft Excel
- Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), including SPI/CPI metrics
- Demonstrated ability to integrate cost and schedule data within a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively across technical and non-technical teams
- Knowledge of engineering and manufacturing program lifecycles
- Experience supporting defense development programs
- Familiarity with industry scheduling standards (e.g., DCMA 14-point assessment)
- Must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Preference will be given to candidates with an existing U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance.
Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain, and communicate Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) based on program contracts, statements of work (SOW), and requirements
- Perform critical path, variance, and trend analysis; provide actionable insights and look-ahead reporting
- Prepare and present internal and customer-facing schedule reports, including status, risks, and performance metrics (SPI/CPI)
- Partner with Program Management, CAMs, IPT Leads, Engineering, and Operations to align schedules with scope, resources, and execution plans
- Ensure timely and accurate schedule updates; maintain baseline integrity through formal change control processes
- Support schedule recovery planning and “what-if” scenario analysis to address risks and opportunities
- Integrate schedule activities with cost, Earned Value Management (EVM), and Work Breakdown Structures (WBS)
- Support new business proposals and Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs), including development of compliant schedules
- Collaborate with supply chain and material planning to incorporate material and subcontractor requirements
- Conduct schedule audits to ensure compliance with company standards and industry best practices
- Develop and maintain scheduling processes, tools, and reporting standards (primarily in Microsoft Project)
- Provide regular updates to leadership and maintain strong cross-functional relationships
Benefits
- 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
- 11 paid Holidays
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents
- Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid by employer 100%
- Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
